PALOS HEIGHTS, Ill. – There is a lot of change for the Trinity Christian College women's volleyball team coming into the 2020 season…one change being it's now technically the 2020-21 season. You won't hear any complaints from the Trolls about that change, however, playing in the spring instead of the fall is better than not playing at all. It took 430 days, but the Trolls took the court on Tuesday, Jan. 26 to face Cornerstone University (Ill.) to kick off the new season. Despite falling in straight sets to the Golden Eagles, the Trolls came away with some much-needed court time to head into what will be a busy spring.

Amanda Lichtenstein opened up her collegiate career with a 25 assist and 13 dig performance. Her go-to target was Sarah Kiwan who finished with a team-leading nine kills. Kiwan also added seven digs. Taryn Hinken did all she could at the net to stop the Golden Eagles, finishing with four block assists and adding five kills to the offense. Britta Heggeland also finished with five kills and added two blocks.

BY THE NUMBERS:

• Amanda Lichtenstein: 25 assists, 13 digs, two block assists
• Sarah Kiwan: Team-high nine kills in 29 attempts (.069), seven digs, block assists
• Taryn Hinken: Five kills in 16 attempts (.188), four block assists
• Britta Heggeland: Five kills in 19 attempts (.500), two block solos

NEWS AND NOTES:

• Sarah Kiwan surpassed the 600 career kills mark with her nine tonight, she currently has 604.
• Tuesday's contest marked the first under Head Coach, Becky Eller.

Trinity (0-1, 0-0) open Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference play on Thursday, Jan. 28 hosting Trinity International University (Ill.). Last season the Trolls swept the Trojans in their two head-to-head matchups. Please remember, at this time, there are no spectators allowed at Trinity home events.